Olympus Pen E-P5 Review - Image Quality and Verdict Review

By Paul Nuttall July 19, 2013 4:24 pm BST

Sections

Page 1 Olympus Pen E-P5 Review
Page 2 Design and Performance Review
Page 3 Image Quality and Verdict Review

Olympus PEN E-P5 – Image Quality

The E-P5’s image quality throws up few complaints.

The model’s advanced 324-zone metering system performs with sterling reliability, very rarely incorrectly exposing any scene. If you do need to dial in any exposure compensation at any stage, the dual-dial system makes this a simple process.

The E-P5’s auto white balance system is also reliable, delivering good results across a range of lighting conditions, while a wide range of white balance presets are on hand should you need them.

The E-P5’s sensor also does a good job of controlling image noise. There’s very little noise at the lower settings; it’s possible to shoot at up to ISO 1,600 with very few concerns.

At ISO 6,400 images do tend to lose a little bit of sharpness, in some part due to in camera noise reduction, although this isn’t hugely to the detriment of image quality. Even at the higher setting of 12,800 images retain detail, although ISO 25,600 is best avoided if possible.

It resolves plenty of detail in shots, too, down to just 24 lines per mm (lpmm) on our test chart, though not quite as much as the Fujifilm X-E1 which resolved detail all the way down to 31lpmm.

Should I buy the Olympus PEN E-P5?

The Olympus E-P5 features several noticeable improvements on its predecessor under the bonnet, as well as a few cosmetic changes that make the camera a more appealing prospect. Image quality is good on the whole, although it is a touch off its rivals in this regard.

The biggest problem, however, is the price. Its body-only price at time of review is some £100 more than the Olympus OM-D E-M5, which includes a built-in EVF, as well as the Fujifilm X-E1 and Sony NEX-7.

If you’re not too fussed about the EVF then the E-P5 could be the camera for you, but we prefer the OM-D.

For more options, read our best cameras of 2013 round-up.

Verdict

There’s little to disappoint with the PEN E-P5, both with design and performance of the camera on the whole. It’s a little too pricey for us to recommend right now, but it’s a good camera all the same.

Trusted Score

Score in detail

Value 7
Design 9
Features 8
Image Quality 8
Performance 8

Previous
Design and Performance Review

By Paul Nuttall

Digital Production Manager Paul joined What Digital Camera magazine at the start of 2007 having graduated from the University of Exeter. He cut his teeth as Staff Writer, before moving on to cover all…

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2004, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have 9 million users a month around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.